Stuart Broad burst puts England in charge after third day of deciding Test

The seamer has now taken 499 Test wickets, having dismissed both John Campbell and nightwatchman Kemar Roach in a three-over burst before the close of play

Stuart Broad struck six times in two dynamic spells as England ended the third day of the deciding Test at Emirates Old Trafford in charge.

The seamer has now taken 499 Test wickets, having dismissed both John Campbell and nightwatchman Kemar Roach in a three-over burst before the close of play. Earlier in the day, he had run through West Indies’ tail to ensure England enjoyed a healthy lead despite failing to bowl out the visitors in time to enforce the follow-on.

In reply, Rory Burns and Dom Sibley put on an opening stand of 114 – England’s first such first-wicket partnership in a home Test since Alastair Cook and Alex Hales in 2016.

Sibley was first to fall, trapped lbw by Jason Holder for 56, opening the door for Joe Root to come to the crease. He added an unbeaten 68 off just 56 balls, putting on 112 with Burns in just 17 overs.

However, when Burns was caught slog-sweeping ten short of his century, England declared, giving themselves six overs at a visiting side carrying an array of niggles.

Shane Dowrich left the field early in the afternoon session after being struck on the lip by a delivery from Shannon Gabriel that burst through his wicketkeeping gloves, while Holder also spent some time receiving treatment after he was hit on the thumb while fielding at slip.

The weather forecast for Monday’s fourth day favours West Indies’ hopes of avoiding defeat and retaining the Wisden Trophy, with heavy rain expected for much of it.

When play does resume, though, England will need eight wickets – and Broad one more for 500 – in order to clinch a series win for themselves.

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